Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust works with neglected and ‘at risk’ historic buildings to bring them back into sustainable use.
The building conservation charity is based in Hopkinson’s House, a 17c Grade II listed building in Wirksworth. The building was purchased in the early 1980s as a ruinous property and restored to provide offices for the Trust and lettable spaces for local businesses and individuals.
Rising energy costs and difficulties controlling the temperatures within offices on different levels of the building in winter and summer prompted the Trust to apply for advice from East Midlands Chamber and an energy audit funded by Derbyshire Dales District Council’s decarbonization programme. This identified the issues affecting energy efficiency and costs.
A £10,342 grant was then awarded by Derbyshire Dales District Council to enable insulation to be installed to the ceilings and floor spaces, this being a key recommendation of the audit (due to the particular use of the building as rented offices). The grant covered both labour and materials to undertake the project.
Heat loss and energy consumption has been reduced as a result of the project. This has not only reduced the Trust’s running costs but also made the building more attractive and comfortable for tenants. This has impacted the ability to retain and attract tenants - important to the Trust’s finances. The reduction in carbon footprint and dependency on fossil fuels is particularly welcomed due to the nature of the Trust’s work.
Lucy Godfrey (Executive Officer) says:
This grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council has been a great help for Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust. Our HQ building in Wirksworth is a historic property, which had no insulation between the floors and ceilings. This was having a negative impact on our energy efficiency and costs. The grant enabled us to add insulation in office areas so that we can manage heat loss more effectively and reduce our overall carbon emissions.
www.derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk
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